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1915 

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AND OTHER POEMS 



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MRS. AGNES SMITH 



AND OTHER POEMS 



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BY 



MRS. AGNES SMITH 



San Diego, California 
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Copyrighted, 1915 
By MRS. AGNES SMITH 





THE CRELLER PRESS 
Printers and Publishers— San Diego, California 

©CI.A410729 



SEP 301915 



FOREWORD. 

The writer of these poems, Mrs. Agnes 
Smith, was born in Scotland, came to this 
country thirty years ago, six of which have 
been spent in San Diego, and, owing to illness 
in childhood, received a very meagre educa- 
tion. She is now in her 53rd year and had 
composed no poetry until her 51st year. 

It is the wish of the writer that some hearts 
may be touched and drawn nearer to the 
Saviour through these poems. 



Poems 



GETHSEMANE. 

Gethsemane, Gethsemane. 
The Saviour of this world knew thee, 
He sweat great drops of blood for me, 
In the Garden of Gethsemane. 

His twelve disciples with him went 
But He selected only three, 
To watch with Him for one short hour. 
But sleep o'ercome their mortal power. 

One of the twelve a traitor was. 
He hated Christ without a cause. 
'Twas then He plead for him and me, 
In the Garden of Gethsemane. 

Gethsemane, I love thee well, 
'Twas there He suffered much for me. 
E'en Satan tried at that late hour 
To wrest from Him his saving power. 

But Jesus saw me standing there, 
A creature lost in great despair. 
He drank the cup for you and me. 
And followed on to Calvary. 

O Calvary, O Calvary, 
It was my sins that nailed Him there. 
He paid the debt and set me free; 
He gave me hope and not despair. 

He broke the fetters of the tomb. 
He conquered sin and then the grave, 
Shall I not give my heart to Him, 
To me, eternal life He gave. 



Poems 



CHRIST TASTED DEATH FOR 

EVERY MAN. 

For God so loved the world — 
And that means you and me — 
That He gave His precious son 
To die on Calvary. 

Did He forsake the cross, 
The cross He bore for me. 
Will I, then, trample in the dust, 
The Blood of Calvary? 

No, with my latest breath, 
I'll sing His praises still. 
And, with His help, obey 
And do His holy will. 

For us He died on Calvary, 

Our needy souls to save. 

But soon we'll sing the triumph song 

Of victory o'er the grave. 



Poems 



CHRIST SEEKING THE LOST. 

That man of Calvary, 

Who is he? 
The Saviour of this w^orld 

From sin, He'll set us free. 

With garments dyed in blood, 
Behold He cometh forth, 

With outstretched arms 
To seek and save the lost. 

Lost, I was, and wandered far 

x\lone. and sin beguiled. 
But Jesus sought and found me, 

And owned me for His child. 

I know the Saviour loves me. 

And if I do my part. 
He'll recreate and cleanse me 

And purify my heart. 

And when He comes to earth again, 
To gather home His own, 

I'll rise with Him to glory 

And sing, O Home, Sweet Home. 



Poems 



THE ANGEL BAND. 

And when we see the angel band 

Descending from on high 
And our dear Lord upon the clouds 

As King, He will draw nigh. 

No more the Babe of Bethlehem, He 

As in a manger lay. 
To rest and sleep on Alary's arm 

Where oxen ate their hay. 

No more the man of Galilee, 
As with weary steps He trod, 

To heal the sick of pain and woe 
And teach the word of God. 

No more at Lazarus' grave He'll stand 

But with triumphant shout. 
He'll wake all those, who loved Him here, 

And served Hmi without doubt. 

No more with five small wheaten loaves, 

The faint and weary feed, 
As with compassion He did then, 

To help their daily need. 

But when we go with Him on high, 

A table will be there. 
And we shall be His guests that day, 

And all His glory share. 

So let us work till Jesus comes. 
And love Him more and more. 

And we shall rest upon His breast. 
With all our troubles o'er. 



Poems 



UNITED LOVE TO CHRIST. 

Are we a people waiting 

For the coming of the Lord? 

Do we believe the testimony 
Which is the two-edged sword? 

Do we believe the Holy word, 

And live it day by day? 
Do we let the faith of Jesus 

In our hearts have full sway? 

Or are we like Thy people, Lord, 

That wandered far of old 
And turned their hearts away from Thee 

And sought a God of Gold? 

No, no, kind Heavenly Father, 
We will closer draw to Thee, 

Let every one within Thy fold 
In love united be. 

You knoAv, dear Heavenly Father, 

The sacrifice is great. 
But Thou hast often told us 

The way to Thee is straight. 

So we'll all be one like Daniel, 
And stand before our King, 

With hearts in love united. 
Our voices raised to sing. 

The song of Moses and the Lamb, 

Upon the crystal sea, 
We'll reign with Thee, dear Saviour 

Through all eternity. 



10 Poems 



RENDERING GOOD FOR EVIL. 

For, if we've done a kindness, 

To a sister, or a brother, 
And for it, we've been criticized. 

Should we trample one another? 

We'll hie us to the throne of grace, 
And love them more and more, 

And pray for them much oftener 
Than we've ever done before. 

He that steals our money. 

Has taken only trash. 
But he that steals our good name 

Has taken all we hath. 

If our names are in the Book of Life, 
What need have we to care. 

If they stand the test of judgment. 
It's such trials brine: us there. 



Poems 11 



CONSECRATION. 

Help us dear Father from this hour, 

To turn anew to Thee ; 
And consecrate our hearts and lives 

And ever faithful be. 

We know if we are faithful here, 

You never will forget, 
But will return and take us home, 

Where sin can never fret. 

We'll lay these weary bodies down. 
And rest in peace with Thee : 

Within that home Thou hast prepared 
And dwell eternally. 

The tree of life, we'll there behold 

The crystal stream of God, 
And with the saints, we'll shout and sing 

Forever with the Lord. 



12 Poems 



THE MIND OF JESUS. 

"Let the same mind be found in you that was also 
found in Christ." 

If we have the mind of Jesus, 

Then our hearts will be filled with 
love. 

For our brother or our sister, 
Who has never lived His word. 

We won't have time to criticize 

Or trample one another, 
Our time will all be taken up 

With our weary, way-worn brother. 

We will tell the gospel story, 

In a cellar or a hut, 
In a palace or a cottage 

We will ask them to look up. 

To the meek and lowly Jesus, 

Who died to set them free. 
Who shed His precious blood for them 

On the Cross of Calvary. 

If they will only listen, 

And obey His blessed commands 
That when He comes. He'll take them 
home. 

To a fair and better land. 

If we have the mind of Jesus, 

We'll be ready evermore. 
To tell this wondrous story 

To the heathen at our door. 



Poems 13 



O God, give grace and courage, 

If we no further roam, 
To live the old, old story 

With the heathen in our home. 

They will not always listen, 

But by Thy spirit's power 
Turn Thou their hearts in love to Thee, 

And save them from this hour. 



14 Poems 



WALKING BY FAITH. 

I know not what's before me, 

I would not if I could, 
The Lord of light and glory, 

Could tell me if He would. 

But He's kindly veiled the future 
From my weary eyes, so dim. 

He bids me meet all trials 
Through faith alone in Him. 

Yes, He turns them into blessings 
As He leads me gently on, 

For its just through straits and trials 
That ril reach my Home, sweet 
Home. 

I know He'll lead me safely. 

If I put my hand in His, 
To a mansion up in glory 

In that land of endless bliss. 

So I'll just go stepping forward, 
I'll not murmur or complain. 

For I know the sun shines brighter, 
When we've had the mists and rain. 

When I reach the land of promise 
I'll forget all I've passed through, 

And I'll sing the old and new song, 
When the Saviour's face I view. 



Poems 15 



HOW THE TRUTH GOT HOLD OF ME. 

I sat alone one evening, 

And thought upon the past, 

And how I loved the things of time, 
When I knew they could not last. 

But when I heard the message 
Of the angels one, two, three, 

It turned my heart from many things 
That were so dear to me. 

I often sit and ponder 

On the scenes of yesterday. 

And I cannot help but wonder. 
How this Truth got hold of me. 

But it told the gospel story 

Of the coming of the Lord, 
And gave me such a longing 

To tell this Truth abroad. 

To every weary sin-sick soul 
That would lend a hearing ear, 

Of the judgment now that's going on. 
And soon Christ will appear. 

So I've asked the Lord to help me 

Be a witness here for Him 
Of this three-fold angels' message, 

That cleanses us from sin. 

O, to tell it, just to tell it. 

In a kind and loving way, 
To a brother or a sister. 

Who, like me, had gone astray. 



26 Poems 



A MESSAGE FOR THE HEATHEN. 

I have a message for the heathen, 
Yes, a message bright and fair. 

I shall send it o'er to Africa 
To a people in despair. 

Who have never heard of Jesus, 
Who died to set them free. 

Oh, how I'd love to tell them 
Of the cross He bore for me. 

But I am only a little girl. 

And how can I go there? 
But I'll save up all my pennies, 

For I know I've some to spare. 

So I won't buy any chewing gum, 

Or candy, while at school. 
For I intend to sacrifice 

And learn the golden rule. 

And we will ask you older ones. 

To help us all you can. 
Not with pennies but with dollars. 

For the heathen of that land. 

And when we see our Saviour come 
From Heaven to claim His own, 

By our efifort and His sacrifice 
Some shall reach their Heavenly 
home. 



Poems 17 



THE EARTH MADE NEW. 

Yes, we'll stand with our Redeemer 
On the earth made new once more, 

We will anchor in the harbor 

When the storms of life are o'er. 

If we're daily pressing forward 
To Hjs precious bleeding side 

Our anchor will hold firmly, 
No matter what betide. 

Have we got our chart and compass, 
Does the Lord our life-boat man, 

Are we throwing out the life line. 
Are we doing all we can 

For our weary, storm-tossed brother 
Nearly wrecked by many a gale, 

Are we launching forth the life-boat, 
Are we letting out the sail? 

Do we know this last great message, 
And then tell it o'er and o'er 

For when Jesus comes. He'll ask us 
Of the wreck along the shore. 

Shall we stand there, empty-handed 
By our silence be condemned, 

When He has promised by His power 
To save the souls of men? 

When we meet our Lord in glory 
May we pass that grand review. 

And hear hisgrand "well done, mychild", 
There are many stars for you. 



18 Poems 



THOUGHTS ON MISSIONARY WORK. 

One night I sat in my bedroom 

And looked around to see, 
All the wonderful blessings 

The Lord had given to me. 

But I saw in one small corner 
A task that was left undone; 

I saw some papers lying there 

That should have been out, every one. 

Yes, out and giving the message 
To friends both far and near, 

And I to gather the fragments 
For the master who draweth near. 

O Lord, Thou knowest the beginning. 
The end Thou hast in store. 

Help me, dear Father, from this hour 
To work a little more "For Jesus' 
sake, Amen." 



Poems 19 



THOUGHTS ON THE COMING OF 
CHRIST. 

We are looking for the Saviour, 
For we know He's coming soon. 

Oh, may we not be waiting 
To hear our final doom. 

But to rise with Him in glory 

To mansions in the skies. 
From whence He soon will come again 

To take us, bye and bye. 

If we are only willing 

To obey His blest commands 

Hallelujah, shout Hosanna, 
We are the chosen of the land. 

He has paid the debt to Father, 
And His name we will adore, 

'Tis the precious blood of Jesus, 
Saves and keeps forever more. 

Then will be joy, yes, joy in Heaven 
When His Father sees Him come. 

With His blood-washed throng around 
Him, 
And we hear the glad "Well done." 



20 Poems 



THE NEV/ YEAR. 

Another year will soon be o'er, 

O may the new one be, 
A year of greater service Lord 

With hearts from sin set free. 

We do not know the day or hour 
That He may call each one 

To lay our weary bodies down 
And rest within the tomb. 

But when we hear the glad triumph 

If we are faithful here, 
We'll rise to immortality, 

And meet Him without fear. 

So a glad New Year to one and all 

And, if we many see, 
May every one be greater love 

And service. Lord, to Thee. 



Poems 21 



THE SEWING SOCIETY. 

I send you a little poem, 

It's not much I can do. 
But a little word about Jesus, 

Will help both me and you. 

I know that my dear sisters 

Are working hard today. 
We can patch and sew for Jesus. 

As well as preach and pray. 

So God bless every little stitch 
And needle full of thread, 

For Jesus clothed the naked, 
And gave the hungry bread. 

And we, His little children. 
Must serve Him here below. 

For we know that on the great day 
We shall reap just what we sow. 

We don't want any money 
For what we do for Him, 

So we will clothe the naked, 
And take the stranger in. 

And when we get up yonder, 
We'll hear the glad "Well done", 

In a voice of love, so tender, 
That will understand each one. 



22 Poems 



STAND TRUE TO THE TESTIMONIES. 

Lines composed four months before Sister White's 
death. 

We thank you for the Testimonies 
Thou hast sent us day by day. 

But we will still remember 
That Thy servant is but clay. 

But when touched by living fire, 
And the pen was in her hand, 

She sent forth these strong straight 
Testimonies 
To the Israel of all lands. 

Shall we heed Thy spirit's message, 
Search its warnings o'er and o'er, 

If we do and then obey it 

Soon with her, we'll reach that shore. 

Then we'll sail on smoother waters 
On the Sea of Glass, we'll land 

With a crown upon our forehead, 
And a harp within our hands. 

Sing the song of Moses and the Lamb, 

Of redemption full and free, 
Then I'll stop and ask my Saviour 

Why He saved a wretch like me. 

As I look into His loving eyes, 

His answer thus will be, 
"I could not be happy yonder 

When I saw all lost to thee." 

So I obeyed my Heavenly Father, 
And fulfilled His blest commands. 

And thy name with many others 
Was graven on my hands. 



Poems ^^ 



FIGHTING FOR THE RIGHT. 

Yes, we hear of battles, many, 
In the lands across the sea, 

For there are evil spirits ruling 
In the hearts of kings today. 

No, God is not in these battles. 
Its the hosts by Satan led. 

That has caused the blood of many 
On the field of battle shed. 

But He has told us in His Holy word, 

Written many years ago, 
That just what things we hear of 

To this would come, you know. 

The nations, they are angry, 

The time is drawing near 
For the battle of Armageddon, 

Very soon it will appear. 

As a people we are working 

In the army of the Lord. 
Are we going forth to battle. 

Is our sword the word of God? 

Let each one be up and doing, 
Early morning, noon an night, 

Save our brothers and our sisters, 
Going down by Satan's might. 



24 Poems 



Gather in the wounded soldiers 

From the battlefield of sin, 
Tell them of the love of Jesus, 

Who died, their souls to win. 

Shout the battle cry of freedom. 

Raise the blood-stained banner high. 

Stand with face toward the enemy, 
Eternity draws nigh ! 



Poems 25 



THE TWO PATHS. 

There's a path that leads to duty, 

And one, the other way. 
God would like to know, dear children, 

Which path you have travelled today. 

For the master is calling for workers. 

The laborers are very few, 
The harvest's all ripened and ready, 

He's calling for me and for you. 

But methinks I hear someone saying, 
"Excuse me, dear master, today, 

For Fve bought a yoke of oxen 
And for them I have to pay." 

And a voice from o'er in the corner, 

In accents loud and clear. 
Saying, "I've married a wife, dear 
master, 

And to me she is very dear." 

And still another voice saying, 

"I've gathered some friends to my 
home, 

The banquet for them is all ready. 
We'll eat, drink, be merry, each one." 

So the master looks down in sorrow 
As He pleads with us day b}^ day. 

To tell them the gospel story 

As they're passing along our way. 



26 Poems 



So may each one here this evening 
See their duty bright and clear, 

And gather them in from the by-ways, 
For the master draweth near. 

The battle will soon be over, 
The fight will not last long 

If we're found in the path of duty. 
We'll soon sing the victor's song. 



Poems 27 



CLEARER DUTY TO GOD. 

Yes, we often hear the master, 
In a voice so sweet and low, 

"Children, where you find your duty, 
That's the place for you to go." 

Do we always really listen 
And obey that tender call? 

If we do, we'll get the blessing 
Christ will be our all in all. 

It may be that our duty 

Will cost us many a tear, 
But He's promised to be with us 

So we do not need to fear. 

When our duty seems the hardest 
And we cannot see the way, 

He will be our light in darkness, 
All we need to do is pray. 

And this will be the answer. 

Child, I've watched you all the way; 

And this is where our duty lies. 
Not to faint but always pray. 



28 Poems 



CHRIST, THE CORNER-STONE. 

Lines on a sermon preached by Brother Owen. 

The corner-stone is Jesus, 

But He will let us in 
If we are only willing 

To be chiselled out by Him. 

The chisel may cut deeply. 
But its in the master's hands 

And He only knows what's needed 
To prepare us for that land. 

When fitted in by Jesus 

We'll be perfect, smooth and bright, 
And be ready at His coming, 

Be it morning, noon or night. 

So we'll let the chips fly freely. 
They are only bits of clay. 

And we'll thank our dear kind master 
That He chiselled them away. 

We'll be fittly joined together 
With His blood He did atone; 

When He comes He'll take us with 
Him, 
Everyone, a living stone. 



Poems 29 



FEEDING THE HUNGRY SOUL. 

I went into my brother's house 
Affliction pressed him sore, 

The troubled look upon his face 
Read, "Nothing left in store." 

"My cupboard, it is empty. 
My breadbox scant and bare." 

I asked the Lord to let me, 
My brother's trouble share. 

I thought of all Christ did for me 

To help me on the way. 
And how He left His home above 

When we all had gone astray. 

I looked into His loving eyes, 
They smiled on me so kind. 

He said, "Go feed the hungry, 
A blessing you will find." 

"For you, I've earned the Bread of Life, 

You'll never hunger more. 
Go tell to all this world 

That there's plenty left in store." 

"And unto every thirsty soul 

The water shall be free. 
For I have shed my blood for them 

On the Cross of Calvary." 

"I know you'll oft be weary 
With the hardness of the way, 



30 Poems 



But I will go before you 

Turning darkness into day." 

I answered, "When I'm weary 
I'll come to Thee for rest 

And lay this trembling heart 
Upon Thy gentle breast," 



Poems 31 



PATIENCE. 

Did you ever cast out your anchor 

And silently wait for the day 
When the storm was raging around 
you, 
And there was nothing to do but 
to pray? 

And all things near you were evil, 
And their tongues were a hissing 
fire, 
Did you then look into your heart 
and see 
There, only one great desire? 

And that, that your Lord and Master 
Would tarry no longer, but come? 

But we must wait for the morning 
And answer, "Thy will be done." 

It was then the sweet voice of Jesus 
As it whispered so kindly to me. 

My Father kept me through all trials. 
And His grace is sufficient for thee." 

For soon this long night of darkness 
Will end in a morning so bright, 

"I'll take you home to your Father 
Bear your cross, it's a halo of light." 



32 Poems 



MY LITTLE GIRL. 

I have a little girl, 

Her name I will not tell. 
The noise she makes around the house, 

Is like a clanging bell. 

But when to school she goes away, 

Her little bag in hand, 
I say "God bless my little girl, 

She's the dearest in the land." 

I ask the Lord to bless her 

And use her for His own, 
To tell the love of Jesus 

In many a heathen home. 

When the Book of Life is opened. 
May her name be written there. 

And many stars be in her crown 
In answer to this prayer. 



Poems 33 



MY BOY. 

My boy to manhood soon will grow 
Lord, by Thy spirit's power 

Turn Thou his heart in love to Thee 
And save him from this hour. 

Temptation stalks on every hand 

My boy, to soon betray, 
O Lord, Thou only canst him keep 

Within the narrow way. 

And when the time of trouble comes 

O help him to abide 
Within the paths of righteousness, 

With Jesus for his guide. 

A mother's prayer goes up to Thee, 

You never will despise, 
For Thou wilt hear and answer it, 

For Thou art ever wise. 



34 Poems 



GREETINGS TO MY BRETHREN. 

I want to meet you on the earth made new, 
The time is hasting, and the years are few. 
Surely we'll soon be in the better land 
If we obey and keep our Lord's command. 

This earth is nothing but a desert waste, 
But then we'll see our Saviour face to face. 
The one who guided, kept us all the way. 
And took our hands when we were wont to 
stray. 

And led us on through many, many years, 
And soothed each sorrow, wiped away our 

tears. 
But, oh, the joy when face to face we meet, 
In falling prostrate at our Master's feet. 



Poems 35 



SERVICE. 

I have asked the Lord to give me 
Just a little work for Him, 

And then to help me do it, 

With the love of Christ within. 

If the task He gives seems heavy 
And the load is hard to bear, 

He has promised to be with me 
And all my burdens share. 

If we've had a friend that's failed us. 
When we needed them the most. 

Just take a look at Calvary, 

Shall we not embrace the Cross. 

If I have not any crosses 

I will never wear a crown. 
And to me He'll give no mansion 

In that City of Renown. 

So I'll ask Him, hourly, daily. 

Every little cross to bear. 
I must meet my Elder Brother 

In my Father's home up there. 



36 Poems 



A CRY FOR HELP. 

They are calling for the message, 
From a darkened heathen land, 

As a people, are we willing 
To lend a helping hand. 

Oh, to sit at ease in Zion 

And see our brothers die 
For the message of salvation. 

And Jesus drawing nigh. 

We all can't cross the ocean. 

Or go so far from home. 
But, dear, kind Heavenly Father, 

Our prayers can reach Thy throne. 

The widow's mite, you won't despise 
You'll make it do its part. 

But we must be the compass 
To guide the Heavenly chart. 

So the call has come to many 
Who hath laid by in store. 

To open up their pocket books 
And erive a little more. 



Poems 37 



BIRTHDAY WISHES FOR A FRIEND. 

My earnest wish and heart's desire 

That you will faithful be 
Till Jesus comes to take you home 

To dwell eternally. 

And may Thy heart be filled with love, 

Like the Man of Galilee, 
And may thy prayer be none of self, 

But all, oh, Christ, of Thee. 

And with the trials of each day, 

For surely they will come. 
Then may Thy answer be each night, 

O Lord, Thy will be done. 



38 Poems 



A MOTHER'S PRAYER. 

I have travelled on Life's journey 

For many weary years, 
To the City of Jerusalem 

Where God wipes away all tears. 

I would like to take my friends, 
And my children with me there. 

But some say my way's too narrow, 
While the lights on Broadway glare. 

But it may be in the evening, 
At the turning of the tide, 

I will see them safely gathered 
At my precious Saviour's side, 

A mother's prayer is often heard 
For the children of her love, 

And hearts will be united 
In that better land above. 

Shall we not forgive each other 

No matter what it be, 
As Jesus died for me, I know 

He died to set all free. 

Then we'll all sing "Hallelujah", 
Praise His name forever more 

For sin shall never part us 
On that fair, eternal shore. 



Poems 39 



THOUGHTS ON THE SEVENTH DAY 

SABBATH. 

We thank Thee Lord, for morning light 
That Thou hast kept us through the night. 
Now give us grace just for today 
To walk within the narrow way. 

O help us some one to persuade 

That Thou the seventh day Sabbath made. 

A sign of Thy creative power, 

To keep it Holy every hour. 

Six days you've given us for work, 
Shall we Thy seventh day Sabbath shirk? 
So may we all with one accord 
Be found within Thy house, O Lord. 

And when our work on earth is done. 
In that fair land beyond the sun, 
We'll keep the Sabbath day with Thee 
From every care and trouble free. 



40 Poems 



A SONG OF REJOICING. 

The long night of sorrow will vanish 
Then nothing but pleasure, no pain, 

For Jesus is coming in glory, 
He's coming to take us to reign. 

With Him, up in yonder bright man- 
sions. 
We'll bow then and bless His dear 
name, 
And join with the angels in glory, 
Praise God for the lamb that was 
slain. 

He carried our sins in His body. 
They took Him to Calvary's cross, 

He went there without a murmur. 
For He never counted the cost. 

So when trials and sorrow o'ertake us 
He has promised our burdens to 
share, 

Take courage, my brother, take courage, 
Press onward to do and to dare. 



Poems 41 

CHRIST'S SUFFERING AND DEATH 
FOR US. 

Christ suffered much upon the cross, 

That Cross of Calvary; 
It was my sins that nailed Him there, 

He bled and died for me. 

Did He refuse His Father's plea 

To seek and save the lost? 
He left His home in glory bright 

And counted not the cost. 

For the burden of a sin-lost world 

Lay heavy on His heart, 
He neither murmured nor complained 

But nobly did His part. 

Shall we refuse Salvation free 
When bought at such a cost, 

And shall we serve His enemy, 
And, after all, be lost? 

Dear Lord, help every living soul 
That's heard His pleading voice. 

May they be willing to obey 
And in His love rejoice. 

And may they in their daily lives 

Live nearer to Thee, Lord 
And show to others every day 

The power of Christ abroad. 



42 Poems 



FIRST STEPS. 

I thank Thee, Lord, for these friends 

Who called on me today. 
That Thou hast shown to them the 
truth 

They are willing to obey. 

They know that Jesus died to save 
Them from eternal death. 

And Thou the seventh day Sabbath 
made, 
And sanctified and blest. 

Now help them Lord to take each step 

Right in the narrow way. 
And may their faith and hope in Thee 

Grow brighter every day. 

And give to them their heart's desire 
To see their loved ones saved 

And not just them alone, O Lord, 
But all for whom they've prayed. 

And when Christ comes to take us 
home. 

May we rejoice to see 
A crown of stars placed on each brow 

For faithfulness to Thee. 



Poems 43 

FOR OUR YOUNG PEOPLE. 

You are gathered here this evening 

A young and happy band 
Of workers for the master 

TravelHng to a better land. 

He has told you by His spirit 

That the young must end this work, 

Is there any here this evening 
Their duty wants to shirk? 

I would like to call you all by name 

But I don't think I can, 
But there's Vinton Wright, he's grow- 
ing 

And Henry's quite a man. 

Yes, we love to hear Joe singing, 
Make the courts of Heaven ring. 

We will know his voice up yonder 
When he helps the angels sing. 

Now, I have not called you all by 
name, 

But I hope you'll faithful be 
To each duty that's assigned to you 

Every Sabbath day, at three. 

And not only on the Sabbath 

But each day your prayer may be, 

Just to win a soul for Jesus 
For He died to set all free. 

Yes, a prize He's set before us, 
Its a mansion in the sky 
And a crown of brightest glory 
At His coming, bye and bye. 



41 Poems 



THE SENTINEL. 

I know we are in the shaking time, 
The loud cry has gone forth 

Let every man with sword in hand 
Stand steady at his post. 

Our sword is not of burnished steel 

To do our brother harm, 
It is the mighty word of God 

To save them from alarm. 

When that great day of God shall 
come 

In all its might and power, 
He'll gather out the wheat from chaff, 

O may we stand secure. 

And when we see the Saviour come 

With His angels band, 
May we behold His face in love 

And win the promised land. 



Poems 45 



TREASURES IN HEAVEN. 

This three-fold angels' message 
Is told on land and sea 

And it is gathering many 
For the year of Jubilee. 

This three-fold angels' message 
Has the power of Christ within, 

It changes all our lives while here 
And saves us from our sins. 

But there are many thousands 
That don't want to hear it told, 

They think that they'll be saved 
By a power that they call gold. 

No, gold will never save them, 
But the love of Christ within ; 

Just take a look at Calvary, 
That's the gold that saves from 
sin. 

The blood bought gift of Calvary 

Eternal life given free, 
For that we shout and praise the 
Lord 

In the Year of Jubilee. 



46 Poems 



THE CROWN OF THORNS. 

Yes, they stood and watched the Saviour 

In His bitter pain and woe. 
They did not know he suffered there 

Because He loved them so. 

Before the earth and seas were formed 
He knew He'd death to taste, 

His Father called Him to His side 
And offered Him the place. 

So when Adam fell, He stepped 
Right in Himself a ransom gave 

That sinners such as you and I 
Eternal life might have. 

He came and took our sinful flesh, 

A man of woman born. 
He stood the test of Satan's wiles 

And braved that awful storm. 

That brought Him to Gethsemane, 

From there to Pilot's hall, 
"And with this man," he cried aloud, 

"I find no fault at all." 

"Release to us, Barabbas," 

They cry the same today. 
As when the master trod this earth 

And gave His life away. 

So God help us to be faithful 
And obey His blest commands, 

May we be salt with savor 
And the Israel of the land. 



Poems ^7 



DARE TO DO RIGHT. 

There's a strife amongst the people, 
They are crying for the blood 

Of those that love the master 
And dare to live His word. 

Lord, by Thy Holy Spirit 
Dispell this darkening power, 

Uphold the side of righteousness 
As in the days of yore. 

Stand by Thy faithful servant 
With all Thy might and power, 

May he know Thee as Jehovah 
In every trying hour. 



48 Poems 



THE SABBATH SCHOOL. 

We thank Thee, Lord, for grace and 
truth 

This Sabbath day to know 
And for the Blood of Jesus, 

That washes white as snow. 

CHORUS: 
And for the Sabbath School, the Sab- 
bath School, 
The dear old Sabbath School, 
For its here we come, both old and 
young. 
To learn the Golden Rule. 

And we love to hear the story 

Of the Cross of Calvary, 
He to all His little children 

Eternal life gave free. 

—CHORUS. 

Some have come here as children dear, 

They've now to manhood grown. 
And they dearly love the Sabbath 
School 
For it is the Sabbath home. 

—CHORUS. 

If we have to leave this Sabbath 
School. 
No matter where we roam, 
We will try to find another one 
For its just like going home. 

—CHORUS. 



Poems 49 



"THE WHISPERED PRAYER." 

One day in a busy city 

I stood on a crowded street 

And watched the people passing, 
Heard the tramp of their hurrying 
feet. 

Some faces were bright and happy 
But some were filled with care, 

And some had a look of sadness 
Just bordering on despair. 

As I stood, I watched and wondered 
How many their Lord did know, 

How many knew the blessing 

Of having their sins w^ashed white 
as snow. 

I breathed a prayer to my Father 
As I stood on that busy street 

That every one that passed me by 
On the Sea of Glass I might meet. 

I asked Him to keep me faithful 

To sing His praises there 
Where I'll never see any trouble 

Or faces filled with despair. 



50 Poems 



"LET NOT YOUR HEART BE 
TROUBLED." 

We are standing in the light house 

On the San Diego shore, 
And the storm at sea is raging 

And the billows 'round us roar. 

But we're in the ark of safety, 
We've the love of Christ within 

By our light, we mean to beckon 
Many from the seas of sin. 

There are lonely hearts that are 
breaking 

For the loved ones far away. 
Will they meet us on the morning 

Of the Resurrection day. 

Will they heed this last great mes- 
sage, 

Search its meaning o'er and o'er 
If they do, and then obey it 

They will safely reach the shore. 

Where we'll all sing "Hallelujah!" 
Praise His name for evermore. 

For there will be no fear of storms 
On that fair eternal shore. 



Poems 51 



THE NEW TEACHERS. 

We have got two fine new teachers 
In our church school, this year. 

They rule by love and kindness 
And not by frown or fear. 

The children seem to love them 
As the days go rolling on ; 

I'm sure they'll all be sorry 

When this school year has flown. 

They have helped us with our lessons 
And we love them very dear; 

When the roll is called up yonder, 
May they answer "I am here." 

For we are all God's little children, 
Learning lessons here below 

And if we learn them every day 
He'll take us home, we know. 

Then all day we'll our teacher 
For there'll be no night there. 

And for lessons that we've learned 
while here 
We'll get credit sure up there. 



52 Poems 



FOR THE CHILDREN. 

Ijines on the leaving of one of our church school 
teachers. 

We are going to lose our teacher 
And we feel quite sick at heart, 

For often we've been naughty 
And have not done our part. 

We have often him discouraged 

By heeding not his way 
And now that he is going 

We would rather have him stay. 

But we'll ask him to forgive us 

As he will be forgiven, 
And if we meet no more on earth, 

I hope we'll meet in Heaven. 

Before the great school teacher 
That's our dear Lord, you know. 

When He looks o'er our lessons 
We'll reap just what we sow. 

But we know you won't forget us, 
Though you're going far away, 

Just take us all to Father, 

In the evening when you pray. 



Poems 53 



CASTING OUT THE "BEAM". 

O yes, we think we're doing right 
By him who smokes that awful 
pipe, 

By telHng him it is a sin 

And so it is, we'll prove and win. 

Because he loves that pipe of clay 
We say he'll be destroyed some day, 

But then are we more pure than him. 
Because we love some other sin? 

Yes, tobacco is the vilest weed 

And he that smokes it sows the 
seed 

At every step along the way, 

There's thousands dying every day. 

There are some sins just as great. 
From which the Lord does turn in 
hate 

And one of these is wilful strife 
For that, we'll lose eternal life. 

If we are harboring in our heart 
A sin from which we don't depart. 

We're just as far on the wrong way 
As he who smokes the pipe of clay. 

The day of grace will soon be o'er 
The master's even at the door; 

Let's cast our idols all away. 

And each one break his pipe of clay. 



Poems 



WORKING WITH A WILL. 

A little Poem on the End of the Church School Year. 

There's Henry, he's always smiling 
And Joe, he is laughing too, 

And this little girl and that little girl, 
Their eyes say "How do you do." 

We are glad to welcome you, sisters, 

To our nice school today ; 
We are learning to work for Jesus 

To talk, to sing and to pray. 

Our teachers are always willing 

To show us the right way 
And always kind and thoughtful 

Whenever we go astray. 

But to God be all the blessing 
For what we are learning here, 

We love our work so very much, 
We are coming back next year. 



Poems 



THE SCOTCHMAN ON THE COM- 
MITTEE. 

They put me on the committee, 

Old Satan he got mad 
The way he entered some folks hearts, 

Made them anything but glad. 

I met a sister on the street, 

She gave me an icy stare, 
But she did not know that I was Scotch 

And a Scotchman does not care. 

I saw two more upon the car, 
Their heads were close together, 

And when they saw me coming 
They just nudged one another. 

"There's that Scotchman of the com- 
mittee. 

Who said we should not wear 
Feather rufifs or jewelry," 

But I only breathed the air. 

Then I overheard some little words 

To this eflfect, you know : 
"Why he's only a new member, 

Why dare he say so and so." 

But the newness of the membership 
When called before the bar 

Of the judgment seat of Heaven 
Do you think that God will care? 



56 Poems 



If I have served Him faithfully 
And loved Him here below, 

I know I'll hear the glad "well done' 
When home with Him I go. 

So if you're ever asked to serve 

Upon a committee 
Just stand it all for Jesus' sake 

That died for you and me. 



i 



Poems gy 

THE FIRE LADDIES. 

Have you seen our fire laddies! 

They are heroes of renown, 
Without these gallant fellows 

Our town would soon burn down. 

They hear the bell a tapping, 

They come sliding down the pole 

For they are ever ready 
To reach the fire's goal. 

God bless our fire laddies 

As they speed through wind and 
rain, 
They loose the engines throttle 

And the horses get the rein. 

We see them rushing onward 
For the building's all aflame, 

They know when to a fire they go 
They may ne'er come back again. 

But they're brave, our fire laddies 
And they give no thought to pain, 

They will save the lives of others 
Though they, themselves, get maimed. 

But someday our fire laddies 

Will hear the last tap of the bell. 

When the roll is called up yonder 
May their answer be, "All well." 

May the chief of that Department 
Read each title bright and clear, 

And the angels, joined in chorus, 
shout : 
"The fire lads are here." 



58 Poems 

LINES ON THE DEPARTURE OF 

FRIENDS. 

Our friends, the Cottons, they have 
gone, 

And we will miss them sore 
And all the little Cotton bales 

That grew around the door. 

We were glad to help them on their 
way 

To better things in store, 
Both for this world and that to come, 

God bless them ever more. 

And if we meet on earth no more. 
In Heaven, where all is bright. 

May we behold each other's face. 
And hail Christ with delight. 

Then on the Sea of Glass, we'll stand 

And sing His praises there, 
For Christ shall wipe away all tears, 

And there'll be no night there. 

There's one thing needful they have 
got 

Since coming to our shore. 
And that's the angels message, three, 

God help them ever more. 

To live it every day and hour 
No matter where thev roam 



Poems 59 



And tell it to each friend they meet 
While they are travelling home. 

And when they reach their dear old 
home, 

May they stand staunch and true 
And keep the Lord before their face, 

And His commandments do. 



60 Poems 



"A PLEA FOR TEMPERANCE." 

There was once, in Bonnie Scotland, 
A home so bright and fair 

Until that demon. Rum, came in 
And brought it to despair. 

The father of that happy home. 
It's strength could overthrow 

But the mother was of gentle mein 
Partook the cup of woe. 

It is so sad to see a man 
A drunkard on the street, 

But, Oh, how terrible it is 
To see a woman sweet. 

The mother of a family 

Brought down to grief and shame, 
O God help us to fight the cause 

And rightly place the blame. 

She tried the tempter to o'ercome, 
She tried, but tried in vain. 

At last it laid her in the grave 
Like one of thousands slain. 

But that vile drink called alcohol, 
God help us to fight it through 

And if we can't do any more 
This city save for you. 



Poems _Q^ 



"THIRSTING FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS.' 

Make me an empty vessel 

Then fill with Thy spirit divine, 

Then I'll never yield to temptation 
And my heart will be wholly Thine. 

Then when filled by Thy Holy Spirit 
My heart will o'erflow with Thy 
love, 

And I will ever be ready 

To meet Thee in mansions above. 

Then in Thy presence forever 
I'll praise thee all the day long, 

For I will never be weary, 

And this is the theme of my song. 

Oh, how I love my dear Saviour 

Because He first loved me, 
And left His bright home in glory 

To save a poor sinner like me. 



62 Poems 



LINES TO A FRIEND ON HER 
BIRTHDAY. 

This little line of love, I send 

On this, thy natal day 
And may the love and care of God 

Be round thee all the way. 

For if you serve Him here below 
You'll reign with Him on high. 

And you will ne'er be weary there 
And every tear He'll dry. 

And may thy kind, unselfish heart 

Now hear His loving call 
And when thy earthly friend doth fail 

May He be all in all. 



Poems 63 



"TRUST." 

Yes, God is Love, 

We have trusted Him in many 
years gone by, 
And we will trust Him more and more 

As we see the time draw nigh. 

The nations, they are angry, 
The seas and waters roar, 

The Saviour soon will come again. 
He is even at the door. 

But He who feeds the little birds 

That fly from tree to tree, 
Do you think that He'll forget us 

When He died to set us free? 

No, my life's worth many sparrows 
That falleth to the ground 

And every one is noticed. 

Why should trouble, me confound? 

So I'll just keep drawing closer 
'Neath His everlasting arm. 

For He who feeds the little birds 
Will save me from all harm. 



Poems 



"OUR APPOINTED TASK." 

Yes, Jesus wept over Jerusalem, 

For the sins that His people would do 

I am sure He is oft filled with sorrow 
For the failings of me and you. 

I know we have failed Thee, dear Master 
By not seeking and saving the lost. 

"We have not the time," we keep saying 
To point them to Calvary's Cross. 

There's surely one point we have failed in 
That's passing our poor brother's door. 

We have not had time to listen 

To the cry of the wretched and poor. 

All these things you have asked us to do, 
Lord, 
Yes, this work must be done by us here 
For He'll give us the strength that is 
needed. 
And His perfect love casteth out fear. 

Then how glad we'll be at His coming 
If we follow His percepts down here, 

Our faces will lighten with gladness 
Oh may we not meet Him in fear. 



Poems 65 



"OUR DUTY." 

We are clogging the wheels of the printing 
press 

When our Sabbath supplies are not paid, 
We are tired of hearing the cry, all the time 

"Let an extra collection be made." 

For papers we've used every Sabbath, you 
know 
This debt to the Lord we owe. 
Do you think that our Saviour looks down and 
is glad ^ 
When we know what we know? 

That the bill for supplies is long overdue 
And still we buy candy and gum ; 

Don't you think we could help this good cause 
along 
By dropping the habit, each one? 

So when we are tempted to buy what is bad 
For our health and our pocketbooks too, 

Just stop, think and lay that nickel aside 
For the bill that is long overdue. 

For we are going to clear this old debt to the 
slate. 

And keep it clear all the year through. 
And if each one is faithful and does his part 

We'll pay every bill when its due. 



66 Poems 



THE LOST SHEEP FOUND. 

Once I had wandered 

Away from my home, 
But Jesus found me, 

I'll never more roam. 

CHORUS 
Jesus, dear Jesus 

Keep close to my side, 
Jesus, my Saviour 

With me abide. 

There's many thousands 
Who are wandering today 

Out on the highways. 
They are going astray. 

—CHORUS 

Help me. dear Saviour 
Some wanderers to find 

And tell them you suffered 
To save all mankind. 

—CHORUS 

And when Thou comest 
In clouds bright and fair 

May I and these loved ones 
Meet Thee in the air. 

—CHORUS 



Poems 6'^ 



A POEM ON ROBERT BURNS. 

The lad that made ye banks and braes 

Lies sleeping in the tomb 
But some day he'll see a fairer sight 

Than the bonnie banks of Doone. 

A sair sair heart he had that day 
His Highland Mary went away, 

But in that land so bright and fair 
They'll meet again to part nae mair. 

We'll ne'er forget the gifted Scot, 
Or yet the land where he was born. 

O yes, we'll hear our Bobbie sing 
Upon the resurrection morn. 

We'll meet with him who made all things. 

Oh ! joy, beyond compare ! 
The rich and poor yes, one and a' 

Will brithers be up there. 

So we're glad we met another year 

In honor o' your name, 
It won't be long, our Bobbie dear, 

Till we all meet in yon hame. 



68 Poems 

SEVENTH DAY ADVENTISTS CAMP- 
MEETING. 

Composed on Camp-Meeting Ground, August 28, 1915, 
Huntington Beach. 

It was the night before camp-meeting, 
And our suit cases were packed. 

When we asked the Lord to guide us, 
And bring us safely back. 

Early the next morning 

As we stepped upon the train. 

We asked Him for a blessing 
E'er we came home again. 

And now we're on the camp ground 

And the big tent is in view 
O, what a crowd of people 

But there's room for me and you. 

We've just had our first meeting 

And as Elder W^arren told, 
Of the coming of the Saviour, 

May each one here behold. 

May our faces light with gladness 

And not be pale with fear, 
May our voices sing his praises 

As we see him drawing near. 

Then these vile bodies he will change 

Like to His glorious one. 
Then we'll rise with Him in triumph 

And He'll take us safely home. 



Poems 69 



We have had a blessed season 
With the people of the Lord. 

We have Hstened to the singing, 
We have heard the word of God. 

There's our dear old Elder Lothborough, 
Read the message bright and clear. 

We know he'll meet the Saviour 
Without a bit of fear. 

He has preached this last great message 

For sixty years, or more, 
O, how he'll shout God's praises, 

\Mien we meet to part no more. 

With him may we be gathered there, 
Each one on this camp ground. 

There's quite a goodly number. Lord, 
Let room for each, be found. 

Yes, room for us and many more, 
The gray-haired, and the youth. 

May not a one be missing there 
That's ever heard this truth. 



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